First aid equipment has the potential to save lives and reduce injury and whilst many new vehicles in the UK are equipped with a first aid kit, the majority of vehicles in the UK are not equipped with them. Having a standardized first aid kit for all types and sizes of vehicle will mean that when serious incidents involving major injuries occur, roadside first-aid can be administered immediately.

BS 8599-2 includes information on the following:

Contents of a motor vehicle first aid kit

Requirements given for the container holding the components

Marking and visibility of the kit

Motor vehicle categories

Sizing of kits based on vehicle type in sizes small, medium and large

This is not only good news for road users, motorists and passengers but also for the motor organizations and emergency services. Manufacturers who wish to import or export a motor vehicle into and from the UK will benefit from the standard too as will road safety enforcers.

Anne Hayes Head of Market Development for Governance and Risk at BSI said: “Every single day we come into contact with motor vehicles or transport, so having the peace of mind that there is an equipped and functional first aid kit in place, in case of accidents, is crucially important. A defined piece of guidance that sets out the rules clearly and shows users what to look for, enhances that sense of security greatly and is a positive development for road traffic safety.”

There is currently no mandatory requirement for motor vehicles to carry first aid kits as is the case in many countries in Europe, it is hoped that having such guidance in place will mean that the UK can follow suit.

Alastair Maxwell chairman of the BS 8599-2 committee at BSI and British Healthcare Trades Association said: “We are thrilled to have been one of the organizations involved with the development of the BS 8599-2 standard, especially as this is an issue that has such wide-reaching impact. We have taken a definite step forward for vehicle user safety and human welfare improvement in general.”